Jizerská 50: Celebrate 60 Years of History in the Heart of Europe
From 11 to 14 February 2027, the Jizera Mountains in Czechia will host a special milestone in cross-country skiing: the 60th edition of Jizerská 50.
Over four days, thousands of skiers will gather in and around Bedřichov for eight different races, ranging from family and junior events to the traditional 50 km Classic. For Worldloppet skiers, the anniversary edition offers two opportunities to collect a passport stamp: the 50 km Classic and the 25 km Classic.
From a local challenge to an international ski marathon
The history of Jizerská 50 dates back to 1968, when local mountaineers organized the first edition as a winter endurance test.
The race later took on a deeper significance. Since 1971, Jizerská 50 has commemorated 15 Czech climbers who lost their lives in an avalanche on Mount Huascarán in Peru in 1970. Several of them had been involved in the early editions of the race. What began as a local event has since developed into one of the best-known cross-country ski marathons in Central Europe, welcoming thousands of participants every year while keeping its connection to the local skiing and mountaineering community.
The 60th edition will celebrate both this history and the international character the race has developed over six decades.
Two Worldloppet distances
The main event takes place on Sunday, 14 February, when skiers tackle the 50 km Classic through the Jizera Mountains. The race brings together international recreational skiers, Worldloppet participants and athletes from the Ski Classics circuit.
One day earlier, on Saturday, the 25 km Classic provides a shorter Worldloppet option and another opportunity to earn an official passport stamp.
The wider programme includes eight races across four days, with freestyle events, evening racing and competitions for children and younger skiers.
More than the kilometers on the track
One tradition awaits every skier who reaches the finish in Bedřichov: an original glass finisher medal produced by artisans from the Czech Crystal Valley region. The anniversary weekend also extends beyond the ski tracks, with concerts and cultural activities planned in nearby Jablonec nad Nisou and Liberec. Together with Bedřichov, these towns make the event accessible for international visitors and offer plenty of opportunities to turn the race into a longer stay in the region.
Registration for the anniversary edition
Interest in the 60th edition is already high, with only around one third of the starting places remaining in the main 50 km race. The current early-registration period runs until 30 October 2026 and offers the lowest entry fee. Early registrations also include a personalized race bib and entry-fee insurance covering 70 percent of the fee in case of unfavorable snow conditions.
Jizerská 50 2027 at a glance:
- 11–14 February 2027
- Bedřichov, Jizera Mountains, Czechia
- 50 km Classic – Worldloppet Main Distance
- 25 km Classic – Worldloppet Short Distance
- Registration and further information: www.jiz50.cz/en
